Today's readings: March 29, 2009
Reading One: Ez 37:12-14 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 ;
Second Reading: Rom 8:8-11 ;
Gospel: Jn 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
I used the RCIA readings today (the alternate) so the audio file is from the other readings. Probably the same thing for the reflections. Anyway - you get a chance to check out both variations if you like.
Since the RCIA readings are about Lazarus, I will share with you a wonderful thing God did for me, not so you think anything about me is especially terrific, just read this blog... it is not at all about me. I am a silly man, and often times, an absolute fool. But all the same, God in His kindness, heard my prayer and answered it - and this is what this story is about. How great God is.
A dear friend named Frank got in a car accident, and broke his hip. No awful tragedy - but a huge pain. But then, things got very tragic, as my friend Frank had a wicked bacteria called C-Diff - eat his internal organs. Day after day, turned into week after week, and month after month. Dozens of operations, and for months Frank was in a coma. It reached a point where my prayers turned from hoping he get well, to asking God to take him home. It was all that bad and worse.
I asked a priest who is a dear friend if he would anoint my friend Frank with the rite of anointing the sick. He was willing, but obedient and told me he could not, as the rules did not allow the anointing if the person was not a Catholic. I was not angry, and understood full well the beauty of being obedient, and how in the past, God has rewarded my obedience with miracles and wonder. I was a little sad though, as my friend Frank was ... as Billy Crystal says in Princess Bride... mostly dead.
I visited Frank in the hospital day after day, and prayed for him. One day, I knew it was the last I might see him, and a prayer emerged from me from a place I did not even know existed. As a tear rolled down my cheek, I took my thumb, and soaked up the tear, and anointed Frank with my tear, making a cross on his forehead. And I said, You know my Lord, Frank has not always said the most charitable things about you, but for what it is worth, he was a friend to me. Please bless him, and keep him safe, and take him home if that is Your will. I left the room, thinking I had seen my friend for the last time.
The next day, Frank woke up from his coma, and over a long period of rehab, he is much much better. His life is not at all easy, as he lost many vital organs, and still has a ton of health issues to deal with. But I cannot thank You enough my dear Lord, for hearing my prayer and being so gracious. I share this story, hoping that it brings just one person closer to God, who is all good, and deserving of our Love.
Showing posts with label sickness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sickness. Show all posts
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday - Second Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 13, 2009
Reading One: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 ;
Gospel: Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings make so much more sense - if you read scripture, and know what happens to Joseph after he is tossed down the well by his brothers. The story is much better than my quick summary, so please read it for yourselves (chap 37 thru the end of Genesis), and also know you will better appreciate the Gospel and the words spoken by Jesus, if you are well versed in the Old Testament. I mean, do you think you could understand chemistry if you never did your homework? Anyway - Joseph gets tossed down the well, and goes to Egypt as a prisoner. He becomes a trusted mentor of a pharaoh, and does a great job. BUT - the next pharaoh throws him in prison, where he interprets the dreams of two men. The first dream comes out well, so the second guy asks for Joseph his thoughts. Joseph tells him he will be killed, which happens. He asks the first guy to tell pharaoh about him, looking for help - but the man doesn't say a thing until much later, when pharaoh has some dreams and needs a wise man of God ways to tell him what is going on. THEN he remembers Joseph, and pharaoh (the 2nd pharaoh) asks him to tell him about his dreams. Joseph tells him that Egypt will have seven great years of harvests, followed by seven years of famine. And he appoints Joseph as head of all the country's food to help avert the impending disaster. All that he said came to pass, and ultimately he meets up with his old brothers who tossed them down the well (his brothers are starving, so they come to Egypt, where Joseph helped them be ready). In the end, he tells his brothers he is not mad at them at all, he loves them - and here's the big point... Everything turns out well, because it is in God's hands. God is GREAT and he is so thankful to God, because God is amazing.
Knowing that story and how it turns out - makes the Gospel come alive. Yes, Jesus is going to get humiliated and crucified. A terrible death of a totally innocent man. But in the end, He is glorified by God His Father, so much so - that His name, Jesus is above all names for all time. The story told today is a wonderful comfort for all those undergoing hardships, especially those who are being destroyed, humiliated, sent to prison, abandoned by their families, but are innocent of the crimes they are being accused of or even if guilty, if they amend their ways, and turn to God for help, God will be there to help. He doesn't draw away from us, we draw away from Him. Trust in God, hope in Him still. Hang in there. Don't get dragged down by evil men or women, or evil ways. It all works out in the end, and indeed the truth does and will come out. You are asked to follow Him, and that means if you are focused on being good, loving God with all your heart, mind, soul & strength - you will probably get pounded in this world. By your enemies, but also - by your friends and even perhaps your family, just like Joseph was. Jesus is quite clear about this reality. Keep the faith, and keep your heart, mind and soul focused on God. He will give you the courage to rise above any and all adversities. I can tell you from experience, he pulled my sorry self out of the well many times. Thank you.
Or, as my neighbor Freddie likes to say - sometimes you have to wade through a pig sty to come out smelling like a rose. His dad told him that. And remember to take great solace in the words of today's psalm - Remember the marvels that God has done. But how can you remember, if you are far away from God? and haven't done a lick of work to get close? So do your homework, learn more about God. Go to church, say thank you, and get close to Him, just like a good parent wants to have his or her child love and respect them, you are God's children. Love God. With all your heart, mind and soul.
In case you missed the post from yesterday - read the readings, and learn more about what Jesus wants you to do. (love each other, especially those who need love the most). And if you want to see some cool pictures of my journey to Asheville, check it out. I was blessed to take some really wonderful pictures, that helped remind me of how marvelous God is.
Reading One: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 ;
Gospel: Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings make so much more sense - if you read scripture, and know what happens to Joseph after he is tossed down the well by his brothers. The story is much better than my quick summary, so please read it for yourselves (chap 37 thru the end of Genesis), and also know you will better appreciate the Gospel and the words spoken by Jesus, if you are well versed in the Old Testament. I mean, do you think you could understand chemistry if you never did your homework? Anyway - Joseph gets tossed down the well, and goes to Egypt as a prisoner. He becomes a trusted mentor of a pharaoh, and does a great job. BUT - the next pharaoh throws him in prison, where he interprets the dreams of two men. The first dream comes out well, so the second guy asks for Joseph his thoughts. Joseph tells him he will be killed, which happens. He asks the first guy to tell pharaoh about him, looking for help - but the man doesn't say a thing until much later, when pharaoh has some dreams and needs a wise man of God ways to tell him what is going on. THEN he remembers Joseph, and pharaoh (the 2nd pharaoh) asks him to tell him about his dreams. Joseph tells him that Egypt will have seven great years of harvests, followed by seven years of famine. And he appoints Joseph as head of all the country's food to help avert the impending disaster. All that he said came to pass, and ultimately he meets up with his old brothers who tossed them down the well (his brothers are starving, so they come to Egypt, where Joseph helped them be ready). In the end, he tells his brothers he is not mad at them at all, he loves them - and here's the big point... Everything turns out well, because it is in God's hands. God is GREAT and he is so thankful to God, because God is amazing.
Knowing that story and how it turns out - makes the Gospel come alive. Yes, Jesus is going to get humiliated and crucified. A terrible death of a totally innocent man. But in the end, He is glorified by God His Father, so much so - that His name, Jesus is above all names for all time. The story told today is a wonderful comfort for all those undergoing hardships, especially those who are being destroyed, humiliated, sent to prison, abandoned by their families, but are innocent of the crimes they are being accused of or even if guilty, if they amend their ways, and turn to God for help, God will be there to help. He doesn't draw away from us, we draw away from Him. Trust in God, hope in Him still. Hang in there. Don't get dragged down by evil men or women, or evil ways. It all works out in the end, and indeed the truth does and will come out. You are asked to follow Him, and that means if you are focused on being good, loving God with all your heart, mind, soul & strength - you will probably get pounded in this world. By your enemies, but also - by your friends and even perhaps your family, just like Joseph was. Jesus is quite clear about this reality. Keep the faith, and keep your heart, mind and soul focused on God. He will give you the courage to rise above any and all adversities. I can tell you from experience, he pulled my sorry self out of the well many times. Thank you.
Or, as my neighbor Freddie likes to say - sometimes you have to wade through a pig sty to come out smelling like a rose. His dad told him that. And remember to take great solace in the words of today's psalm - Remember the marvels that God has done. But how can you remember, if you are far away from God? and haven't done a lick of work to get close? So do your homework, learn more about God. Go to church, say thank you, and get close to Him, just like a good parent wants to have his or her child love and respect them, you are God's children. Love God. With all your heart, mind and soul.
In case you missed the post from yesterday - read the readings, and learn more about what Jesus wants you to do. (love each other, especially those who need love the most). And if you want to see some cool pictures of my journey to Asheville, check it out. I was blessed to take some really wonderful pictures, that helped remind me of how marvelous God is.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday Second Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 12, 2009
Reading One: Jer 17:5-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 ;
Gospel: Lk 16:19-31 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
UPDATE - Just added some pix. Links at the bottom of this post.
Honestly, you could spend a lifetime reflecting on the words offered in today's readings. Go read them, or listen to the mp3 audio file and follow along with words. Etch the words in your hearts, or dust off your hearts, because the words are already written there. Words of Truth will always be true, and never change. And if you are a smart person, listen to them again - it costs nothing but your time. And in understanding the words, the gift you will receive will be a whole new life. You might understand, how you were actually dead because of how you were living your life, a wonderful gift that you were squandering. But God is kind and gracious and generous beyond your imagination. He will let you live again, and rise above the zombie life you once called "MY story". The first of many resurrections, before the really big one at the end of your life.
Today I received a wonderful note from a friend in high school, I never really knew, because I only cared about myself at the time. She offered words of encouragement after reading the post from yesterday. A small token you might say, but in the words were a gift of a priceless kindness, and no, this is not a Mastercard commercial. (i personally prefer American Express, but I digress). Thank you, my dear friend, i am sorry, I was foolish enough many years ago, to squander the opportunity of seeing how delightful you were. I know now.
And another total... freak of chance. I was answering today's massive bombardment of emails, mostly spam wanting me to do all kinds of things I have no interest in doing - but I came across an old email from Sept. 2, 2009, from a dear friend who told me about some classes that were offered to become a Extraordinary minister (the laymen and laywomen who assist in feeding us lambs during church services). Well, I took those classes, and in addition I decided to take an additional 15 minute session that provided training for being an EM (Extraordinary Minister, we used to be called Eucharistic Ministers, but the name was changed because we are not innocent. hahaa) to the folks who are sick and home bound. Anyway, this simple task of service really changed my life. The truth is, Jesus tells us when you minister to those we consider the least of us... like Lazarus in today's Gospel, or perhaps the sick, the home bound, and those forgotten people who often are left just sitting by a window as they prepare for the next leg of the journey - Jesus tells us - that you are serving Him. Words will never do justice to what this small act of service has done for me. It changed my life. I really do think that I am holding Jesus' hand when we say the Lord's prayer together. And yes, I do tremble sometimes, so profound is my joy. No one gives me the respect and love these people do. It pours out of them like an an endless waterfall of kindness. All I want to do, is to try and do that for everyone else... you will want to be like them, because they love without any fears or concerns. I share this with you, speaking from the deepest parts of my heart, because I really want others to know what a blessing this is. It feels like heaven, and you don't even have to die to get there, it is that good. Honestly, I am left with the feeling that I never even lived, until I knew this feeling.
Shortly after beginning the service I described above, I began to see everything in a new light. I was just a tiny frayed piece in a gigantic jig-saw puzzle. If I wanted to see God, all I had to do was put together the jig-saw puzzle and see every piece as divine, and everyone in the world was a piece of the puzzle, though not as torn and frayed as my little piece. I began to see how God manifested His Glorious presence in every living creature. And the people who were forgotten - were the most important pieces of all, just like when you are doing a puzzle, and you couldn't find this one puzzle piece and it was driving you nuts. The enigmatic puzzle was right in front of me, in everyone's eyes and smiles. What a beautiful new world I saw, dazzling like the sun, like freshly fallen snow, or a little bee delighting in a fragrant rose. God's Glory was everywhere. And from time to time, I ran across someone who was really angry and ornery - and whenever I met these folks, I would smile, and say to myself - Jesus I know you are in there. Help my eyes to see You. I didn't get angry anymore.
Bishop Curlin once passed on a great story about his friend Mother Teresa. She was ministering to the homeless in India, when a man sat up, cursed her up and down, and then - spit in her face. Bishop Curlin said he was so angry, he wanted to ring the guy's neck. And Mother Teresa's response - was to have tears her eyes, joyful wonderful tears - and she told Him, she had just seen Jesus. In the man who spit on her. For Mother Teresa, the man who spit on her, was Jesus in all His Glory. Think about that for a while, and see Jesus in those who spit on you. Your life will never be the same.
Today's readings begin with a deep understanding of feeling humble and hoping in the Lord. For the last several years, I asked the priests I met - what is your favorite prayer in the Bible. I was curious because I wanted to learn the prayers, but the only way I can remember stuff like this, is to write a song about it. Not only does it help me remember, but when I sing a prayer, it actually comes from deeper spot inside me. Catholic tradition says that when you sing, you pray twice. My own experience is that this is true. So, here's the favorite prayer of a humble priest I have been blessed to know, and to listen to his homilies. Today he gave one of the best homilies (sermons to my Protestant friends) I ever heard. His favorite prayer is Psalm 131. Short and sweet - with more layers of profound wisdom than a divine sweet onion that you can peel apart layer after layer... forever.
Please find time to say a prayer for Charlotte, Peter, Missy & her kids, Jim, Debbie, Lisa and her son, Kim, Shelley, Richard & Andy, Claire, Florence, Louise, Stewart, my family, and especially those I forgot to mention. And if time allows, please say one for me.
UPDATE - Today's mass was celebrated in Asheville, NC at St Lawrence Basilica in Asheville. What a wonderful time I had on my short trip down the road. Spent an hour in adoration before mass, and about a half hour after mass. The homily offered today was terrific, all about how we need to take care of the homeless, and those less fortunate than ourselves, and also - how when we approach God in weakness, asking for help - we are filled with something so amazing words do no justice. They don't. Check out some new pictures from my Lenten Journey. I love Black Mountain and Asheville.
Reading One: Jer 17:5-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 ;
Gospel: Lk 16:19-31 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
UPDATE - Just added some pix. Links at the bottom of this post.
Honestly, you could spend a lifetime reflecting on the words offered in today's readings. Go read them, or listen to the mp3 audio file and follow along with words. Etch the words in your hearts, or dust off your hearts, because the words are already written there. Words of Truth will always be true, and never change. And if you are a smart person, listen to them again - it costs nothing but your time. And in understanding the words, the gift you will receive will be a whole new life. You might understand, how you were actually dead because of how you were living your life, a wonderful gift that you were squandering. But God is kind and gracious and generous beyond your imagination. He will let you live again, and rise above the zombie life you once called "MY story". The first of many resurrections, before the really big one at the end of your life.
Today I received a wonderful note from a friend in high school, I never really knew, because I only cared about myself at the time. She offered words of encouragement after reading the post from yesterday. A small token you might say, but in the words were a gift of a priceless kindness, and no, this is not a Mastercard commercial. (i personally prefer American Express, but I digress). Thank you, my dear friend, i am sorry, I was foolish enough many years ago, to squander the opportunity of seeing how delightful you were. I know now.
And another total... freak of chance. I was answering today's massive bombardment of emails, mostly spam wanting me to do all kinds of things I have no interest in doing - but I came across an old email from Sept. 2, 2009, from a dear friend who told me about some classes that were offered to become a Extraordinary minister (the laymen and laywomen who assist in feeding us lambs during church services). Well, I took those classes, and in addition I decided to take an additional 15 minute session that provided training for being an EM (Extraordinary Minister, we used to be called Eucharistic Ministers, but the name was changed because we are not innocent. hahaa) to the folks who are sick and home bound. Anyway, this simple task of service really changed my life. The truth is, Jesus tells us when you minister to those we consider the least of us... like Lazarus in today's Gospel, or perhaps the sick, the home bound, and those forgotten people who often are left just sitting by a window as they prepare for the next leg of the journey - Jesus tells us - that you are serving Him. Words will never do justice to what this small act of service has done for me. It changed my life. I really do think that I am holding Jesus' hand when we say the Lord's prayer together. And yes, I do tremble sometimes, so profound is my joy. No one gives me the respect and love these people do. It pours out of them like an an endless waterfall of kindness. All I want to do, is to try and do that for everyone else... you will want to be like them, because they love without any fears or concerns. I share this with you, speaking from the deepest parts of my heart, because I really want others to know what a blessing this is. It feels like heaven, and you don't even have to die to get there, it is that good. Honestly, I am left with the feeling that I never even lived, until I knew this feeling.
Shortly after beginning the service I described above, I began to see everything in a new light. I was just a tiny frayed piece in a gigantic jig-saw puzzle. If I wanted to see God, all I had to do was put together the jig-saw puzzle and see every piece as divine, and everyone in the world was a piece of the puzzle, though not as torn and frayed as my little piece. I began to see how God manifested His Glorious presence in every living creature. And the people who were forgotten - were the most important pieces of all, just like when you are doing a puzzle, and you couldn't find this one puzzle piece and it was driving you nuts. The enigmatic puzzle was right in front of me, in everyone's eyes and smiles. What a beautiful new world I saw, dazzling like the sun, like freshly fallen snow, or a little bee delighting in a fragrant rose. God's Glory was everywhere. And from time to time, I ran across someone who was really angry and ornery - and whenever I met these folks, I would smile, and say to myself - Jesus I know you are in there. Help my eyes to see You. I didn't get angry anymore.
Bishop Curlin once passed on a great story about his friend Mother Teresa. She was ministering to the homeless in India, when a man sat up, cursed her up and down, and then - spit in her face. Bishop Curlin said he was so angry, he wanted to ring the guy's neck. And Mother Teresa's response - was to have tears her eyes, joyful wonderful tears - and she told Him, she had just seen Jesus. In the man who spit on her. For Mother Teresa, the man who spit on her, was Jesus in all His Glory. Think about that for a while, and see Jesus in those who spit on you. Your life will never be the same.
Today's readings begin with a deep understanding of feeling humble and hoping in the Lord. For the last several years, I asked the priests I met - what is your favorite prayer in the Bible. I was curious because I wanted to learn the prayers, but the only way I can remember stuff like this, is to write a song about it. Not only does it help me remember, but when I sing a prayer, it actually comes from deeper spot inside me. Catholic tradition says that when you sing, you pray twice. My own experience is that this is true. So, here's the favorite prayer of a humble priest I have been blessed to know, and to listen to his homilies. Today he gave one of the best homilies (sermons to my Protestant friends) I ever heard. His favorite prayer is Psalm 131. Short and sweet - with more layers of profound wisdom than a divine sweet onion that you can peel apart layer after layer... forever.
Please find time to say a prayer for Charlotte, Peter, Missy & her kids, Jim, Debbie, Lisa and her son, Kim, Shelley, Richard & Andy, Claire, Florence, Louise, Stewart, my family, and especially those I forgot to mention. And if time allows, please say one for me.
UPDATE - Today's mass was celebrated in Asheville, NC at St Lawrence Basilica in Asheville. What a wonderful time I had on my short trip down the road. Spent an hour in adoration before mass, and about a half hour after mass. The homily offered today was terrific, all about how we need to take care of the homeless, and those less fortunate than ourselves, and also - how when we approach God in weakness, asking for help - we are filled with something so amazing words do no justice. They don't. Check out some new pictures from my Lenten Journey. I love Black Mountain and Asheville.
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